Question

Microbiology Question!!!

Epidemiology of Zika Virus" Explain the different modes of infectious disease transmission. Describe the purpose and focus of epidemiology."

Answer 1

Zika virus

• Zika virus is a flavivirus and was found in monkeys of uganda and named after zika forest in uganda.
• Aedes species (mosquitoes) plays an important role in the transmission of Zika virus to the humans.
• In humans Zika virus cause zika fever that are characterized by a rash, conjunctival injection, headache etc.
• The possible modes of transmission of zika virus are urine, saliva, blood products and breast milk.
• Most of the Zika virus infections are asymptomatic.
• Researchers found a relation between having zika virus infection and microcephaly.

Epidemiology of zika virus

In 2007, outbreak of zika virus was reported in Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia. In march 2015, researchers had found the introduction zika virus in brazil.

Two hypothesis that were stated for the introduction of Zika virus in the brazil are : First, the virus was introduced during the soccer world cup event held in brazil and second hypothesis was World Spring Canoe championship held in Rio de Janeiro in 2014.

In march 2017, 84 countries were reported to have zika virus infection transmission. Earlier, zika virus infection was misdiagnosed as infection of dengue virus and it further potentiates the infection of zika virus and zika infection remained unnoticed for longer time.

Different modes of infectious disease transmission are:

• Direct contact (person to person)
• Airborne disease
• Vector transmission
• Vehicle transmission (water, milk and food)

Purpose and focus of epidemiology are:

• To study the natural history of the disease.
• To determine the frequency of disease in the population
• Pattern of disease occurrence
• Risk factors that are responsible for the disease

And finally, the main goal is to summarize all the above measures that can improve the public health and prevent the prevalence of disease.